Array of cyclonic separators

ABSTRACT

Apparatus is provided containing an array of cyclonic separators in which the separators are oriented about a common geometric axis, to which the geometric axis of each separator is preferably disposed at the same angle. The groups of cyclonic separators are in turn oriented about a common geometric axis, to which the geometric axis of the groups is preferably disposed at the same angle. The array arrangement is particularly suited for small cyclonic separators, of the type useful in separating mixtures of gases.

O 1 Ilmted States Patet 11 1 1111 $77,300 Wikdahl 1 July 24, W73

[54] ARRAY OF CYCLONIC SEPARATORS 3,415,375 12/1968 Wikdahl 209/211 [76]Inventor: Nils A s Lemur w kdahl 42 Sgt-rite:

Bravauavagen Djursholm Sweden i FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [221Sept 1970 161,327 9/1953 Australia 55 349 [21] Appl. No.: 72,951 73,6635 1952 Netherlands 551349 I Primary Examiner-Frank W. Lutter F [30]oreign Application Priority Data Assistant Examiner-Ralph J. Hill Sept.29, 1969 Sweden 13322/69 Atmmey Janes & Chapman 55/17, 210/512 M,209/144, 209/211 1571 ABSTRACT [51] Int. Cl 801d 53/24 Apparatus isprovided containing an array of cyclonic [58] Field of Search 209/144,211; separators in which the separators are oriented about 210/512 M;55/349, 17; 62/5 a common geometric axis, to which the geometric axis ofeach separator is preferably disposed at the same an- [56] ReferencesCited gle. The groups of cyclonic separators are in turn ori- UNITEDSTATES PATENTS ented about a common geometric axis, to which the2,671,560 3/1954 Fontein et al 209/211 gmups is Preferably dispsed2,765,918 l0/1956 FOnteln et 61.... 209/211 x the Same angle- 2,804,2068/1957 Turpin 209/211 The array arrangement is particularly suited forsmall 9 4/1964 Aflliol cyclonic separators, of the type useful inseparating Fabl'e et a1... X mixtures of gases 3,296,807 1/1967 Fekete62/5 3,335,860 8/1967 Baxter 209/211 20 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures F,. .11H 20 7 a 8 1- 2- 1s I I 4 M15 6 -7 7- 16 1 PAIENIEfiJuLeausrs Y SHEH 1BF 5 PAlEmiuJuLzalsra sum 2 or 5 3347. see

PAIEN-IEDJuLumn sums nr 5 ARRAY F CYCLONIC SEPARATORS Cyclonicseparators are in common use in a number of industrial processes fortheseparation of gaseous or liquid mixtures or suspensions, emulsions,and other dispersions. The size of the cyclonic separators depends uponthe requirements of the process, but it is usually necessary inindustrial operations, where the volume of production is high, to employa plurality of cyclonic separators for the separation stage of theprocess.

The arrangement of such separators can pose a considerable physicalproblem, because the space available for the separation stage in manyindustrial plants is limited. This imposes severe limitations, whichhave to be met by an efficient arrangement of the separators. Variousarrangements have been proposed.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,415,374, patented Dec. 10, 1968, to Nils Anders LennartWikdahl, describes an arrangement in which the cyclonic separators aredisposed in superimposed horizontally oriented layers, arranged todischarge each of the two separate fractions from the outlets of theseparator into one of two common outlet compartments. An inletcompartment is also provided, common to all feed inlets to the array. Inthis array, the individual separators are radially arranged about acommon axis, with the apex ends of the separators facing inwardly andthe base ends of the separators facing outwardly. This arrangement isquite satisfactory for many uses. However, it does not efficientlyutilize the space when cyclonic separators of small size are needed.Moreover, because only one column of separators are provided, for largeproduction rates, a plurality of arrays are needed. From the standpointof efficiency of space utilization, however, it is desirable to house asmany cyclonic separators as possible in a single housing.

In accordance with the invention, an apparatus is provided which iscapable of housing a large number of cyclonic separators in a quiteefficient arrangement. The apparatus of the invention is adapted for usewith either large or small cyclonic separators. The apparatus providesseparate outlet chambers for the two separated fractions, and an inletchamber for the material being fractionated or separated. Theaccessibility to the individual cyclonic separators of the array isexcellent.

The apparatus of the invention comprises an array of cyclonic separatorsin which the separators are arranged in groups, oriented about a commonfirst geometric axis, to which the geometricaxis of each separator (thethird geometric axis therein) is preferably at one and the same angle.The groups of separators in turn are oriented about a second anddifferent geometric axis, which is preferably at one and the same angleto the first geometric axis of the groups. The cyclonic separatorsineach group are preferably radially disposed about the first geometricaxis, with the separators in each row parallel to each other. Separatingwalls are provided at the apex end and at the base end of the separatorsin each group, defining an inlet chamber therebetween, with access tothe inlet of each individual cyclonic separator of the group. Beyond thewall at the base end of the cyclonic separators there is defined a spaceserving as a collection and outlet chamber for the lighter fractionemerging from the base end of the separators; and beyond the wall at theapex end of the separators there is defined a space serving as acollection and chamber outlet for the heavier fraction emerging from theapex end of the separators.

Preferably, the orientation of the cyclonic separators in each group ofcyclonic separators is the same as in the next adjacent group ofcyclonic separators, such that all base ends face the same way, and allapex ends face the same way, and open into the common base end and apexend outlet collection chambers. Thus, the separating walls of theadjacent groups of cyclonic separators can and do serve to define theseparate base end and apex end collection spaces for such adjacentgroups of separators with the inlet chamber therebetween. Thisconsiderably reduces space requirements for the apparatus.

An inlet is provided from the outside of the housing of the apparatus tothe inlet chamber between the separating walls at the apex and base endsof each group of separators, and outlet openings are also providedgiving separate access to the apex end and base end collection chambers.

The two outlet collection chambers and the inlet chambers are completelyseparate, with no communication therebetween.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 represents schematically, in longitudinal section, an apparatusin accordance with the invention in which the groups of separators arecomposed of rows of cyclonic separators arranged conically and in parallel, disposed radially about the geometric axis of each group, and inwhich the groups are arranged radially about at an angle to thelongitudinal axis of the apparatus.

FIG. 2 represents schematically another embodiment of apparatus inaccordance with the invention, also in longitudinal section, with asimilar radial arrangement of the individual and groups of cyclonicseparators, but with a different arrangement of the access passages tothe inlet and outlet chambers.

FIG. 3 represents a cross-section along the line III- III of theapparatus according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 represents a vertical section on an enlarged scale along the lineIV-IV of FIG. 3, and shows the conically radial arrangement of theseparators in each group.

FIG. 5 represents a longitudinal section of a vortex separator, takenalong the lines V-V in FIG. 4, with the details on a further enlargedscale, and showing the radial positioning of the separators.

FIG. 6 shows, in longitudinal section, another embodiment of the vortexseparator shown in FIG. 5. j

FIG. 7 represents a cross-section along the lines VII- --VII in FIG. 6,showing the tangential arrangement of the inlets.

The array of cyclonic separators shown in FIG. 1 has a housing in threeparts, top, bottom and center. The central portion is in the form of acylindrical casing 1, open at each end, with the top open end closed offby a conical section 3, and the bottom open end closed off byfrustoconical section 2. The bottom section 2 serves as the support forthe casing l and top 3, and is designed to rest upon a foundation orframe (not shown) at flange 4. The flange4a of the centralportion Imates with flange 4 and supports the casing l and top 3 thereon. Aleak-proof seal is provided between the bottom portion 2 and the casingl by the gasket 5. It is also possible to attach the casing 1 to thebase part 2 by means of a threaded socket or joint.

The casing 1 and the top 3 preferably are in one piece, or are attachedtogether so that they can be separated together from the bottom part 2,and lifted off, to provide access to the interior of the housing.

Within the casing 1 are disposed two concentric cylindrical shells 6 and7; each is closed off at the bottom portions 8, 9, which are infrustoconical form, and spaced from and match the frustoconical bottom 2of the casing 1. The open top ends of both cylinders 6, 7 are closed offby a lid 10, which extends out to the inner wall of the casing 1, and issealed thereto by the gasket or ring seal 11.

The casing is provided with a lifting device 12, which extendsdownwardly from the top 3, to which it is attached, within the centralspace 30 of the cylinder 7 to a spider support attached to the bottomportion 9 of the shell 7. The shells 6, 7 are supported via their bottomportions on the bottom 2 of the housing. The lifting device 12 includesa hydraulic motor, a hydraulic cylinder, and a reciprocable piston, theupper end of which is connected with the top portion 3. Thus, operationof the lifting device lifts the top portion 3 up and away from the baseportion 2, carrying with it the casing 1, providing access to the arrayof cyclonic separators therewithin, attached to the shells 6, 7.

It will be seen that the shells 6, 7 serve as supports for the groups20a of cyclonic separators 20, only one row of such groups being,however, for the sake of simplicity, shown in FIG. 1. The shells 6, 7are provided with apertures 6a, 7a, between which and within which aresupported concentric conical shells, inner shells 14 and outer shells15. Only one row of such apertures is shown in each of the shells inFIG. 1. The base ends of the shells 14, 15 are anchored in shell 6, andthe apex ends in shell 7. The individual cyclonic separators, of whichin FIG. 1 only two rows are shown in each of the groups, span the spacebetween the shells 14, 15, and are attached thereto, with the apex endof each separator at shell 14, and the base end at shell 15. Thesespaced apart shells define an annular inlet chamber 16, which is commonto all of the separators in a group, and gives access to the inlets 27(FIG. 4) of each separator 20. The apex ends of the inner cones 14 areclosed off by wall 19, and the base ends are open at 13, opening intoannular chamber 36 between the outside of shell 6 and the inside ofcasing l. The shell 6-ends of the inlet chambers 16 are closed, and theshell 7- ends open.

The space outside the outer shells 15 extends from end to end betweenthe shells 6 and 7, and constitutes outlet chamber 33.

It will be noted on reference to FIG. 4 that the individual separatorsin each group are arranged in rows, in parallel, with the rows radiallydisposed, with their longitudinal axis perpendicular to the walls of theshells 14, 15. All of the separators are arranged with the apex endsanchored in shell 14, and the base ends in shell 15. The apex ends ofadjacent rows in each group open into a common outlet chamber 18, withinthe inner shell 14. This chamber is closed off at the shell 7-end by theend wall 19. The chamber 18 has its outlet 13 at the shell 6-end. Acommon outlet chamber 33, including the groups of separation, is closedoff at the sides by the shells 6, 7, at the top by lid 10, and at thebottom by bottoms 8, 9. The chamber 33 is annular, and frustoconical.

This arrangement of separators allows more separators in each group tobe fitted in the space between the shells 6 and 7. It is possible forthe shells l4, 15 to be cylindrical, and the cross-section of the shells14, 15 may be circular, square, or polygonal, if desired.

The shells l4, 15, the geometric axis of which is approximatelyperpendicular to the geometric axis of the shells 6, 7, are providedwith a plurality of apertures in which the separators 20 are fitted, insuch a way that their longitudinal axes are approximately perpendicularto the walls of the shells 14, 15.

Each aperture in shells 6, 7, 14, 15 is formed with an inwardly oroutwardly extending flange, so as to provide a good press-fit betweenthe separators 20 and the shells 14, 15, respectively, and between theshells 14, 15 and the shells 6, 7. If desired, these can be fitted by athreaded socket. However, a good leak-tight fit is facilitated by theconical shape of the separators and the shells 14, 15.

Alternatively, the cyclonic separators can be made with a cylindricalexternal configuration, in which case sealing can be provided by spacedridges 22 at the ends (as shown in FIG. 6). This cylindrical form makesit possible to use a collar arrangement 23, 24, by which means theseparators can be fixed in an axial direction. The cyclonic separatorvariation shown in FIG. 6 is made in two parts 25, 26. Part 25 containsfour tangentially placed inlets 27, best seen in FIG. 7, and a centralaxial diffuser-tapered outlet 28 at the base end of the separator, forthe lighter fraction, whereas the outlet 29 at the apex end of' theseparator for the heavier fraction is arranged in the part 26.

The inlets 27a in FIG. 5 of the separators 20 are reached via the inletchamber 16, which consequently forms a distribution chamber to theseparators. There is a distribution chamber for each group ofseparators, and all of these are connected at the shell 7-end to thespace 30 within the shell 7, which thus constitutes a primary inletdistribution chamber, to which access is furnished by the feed line 31.

The chamber 33 between the shells 6 and 7 communicates directly with thebase or cone end outlets of all of the groups of separators and thusconstitutes a collecting space for the lighter fraction, which leavesthe separators at this end. This collection chamber is provided with anoutlet 34.

The chambers 18 open at the shell 6-end into the annular space 36between the shell 6 and the housing casing 1. The chambers 18 thus formprimary collection chambers, each of which communicates with the commonsecondary collection chamber 36, and this in turn is provided with anoutlet 37.

In operation, the fluid material to be separated (composed of a mixtureof gases, or liquids, or both) enters the casing housing via the inlet31, and passes thence to the common distribution chamber 30, whence itflows into the distribution chambers 16 through the open shell 7-endsthereof. It then enters the inlets 27a (FIG. 5) of the individualseparators 20, where it is separated by vortical forces into lighter andheavier fractions. The lighter fraction leaves the separators via outlet32 at the base end, enters the common collection chamber 33, and leavesthe housing via the outlet 34. The heavier fraction, discharged from theseparators 20 through the apex end outlet 35, enters the collectionchambers 18, and passes thence via outlets 13 to the common collectionchamber 36, and then to the outlet 37, where it emerges from thehousing.

The apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is quite similar to that shown in FIG. 1,and therefore only the differences will be described.

This apparatus also has a cylindrical casing 40, within which aredisposed concentric cylindrical shells 411, 42, each with frusto-conicalbottom portions, as in the apparatus in FIG. 1. The arrays of cyclonicseparators are supported between concentric conical shells 43, 44, whichhave the apex at the casing 42, and the base at casing All. The commongeometric axis of shells 43, 44 is perpendicular to that of shells 41,42. The geometric axis of the separators 20 is perpendicular to thewalls of shells M, M.

In this case, the shells 43, 44 have the outlet collection chamber 45open at the shell 42-end, and closed at the shell dll-end, with theresult that the apex-end outlet chambers open into the space 46 definedwithin the shell 42. The inlet chambers 50 defined between shells 43, Mare open at the shell dl-end, and closed at the shell d2=end. They thusfeed from an annular chamber 39, defined between shell 41 and casing 40.The inlet 38 provides access to this annular chamber. The facing apexends thus open into the collection chambers 45, which open through theshell 42 into the space 416 within the shell. The chambers 45 serve asprimary collection chambers for the heavier fraction, and the secondarycommon collection chamber 46 communicates with the outlet 47.

The annular space 48 between the shells 41, 42 communicates with thebase ends of the vortex separators, from which the ligher fraction isdischarged through the outlet d9.

Thus, in operation, the material to be separated enters the apparatusvia the-inlet 3S, and passes through the annular chamber 39 into theinlet distribution chambers 50, and then via the inlets 27 (FIG. 7) intothe separators 20, where it is separated into a lighter fraction and aheavier fraction, by vortical forces. The ligher fraction emerges at thebase end via outlet 28 (FIG. 6) of the separators into the collectionchamber 48, and is then discharged via the outlet 49. The heavierfraction emerges via the apex end via outlet 29 (FIG. 6) of theseparators, and is collected in the primary collection chambers 45,whence it passes into the common collection chamber 46, and then emergesfrom the apparatus via the outlet 47.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the housing cantake any suitable cross-sectional form other than the cylindrical formshown in the drawings, which is preferred. The housing can, for example,be in the form of a square or polygonal box, or a truncated cone orpyramid, especially one with a circular or square cross-section. Astraight-sided as opposed to curved-sided housing may have more interiorwaste space in chambers at the periphery of the arrays within thecasing.

Similarly, the inner shells supporting the groups of cyclonic separatorsare preferably circular in crosssection, as shown, but they can also besquare or polygone], and they can also be coneor pyramid-shaped.

Moreover, the angles at which the first and second geometrical axesmeet, and at which the cyclonic separators are placed, with respect tothe axis of their groups (the second geometric axis), and at which thegroups are placed, with respect to the first geometric axis, can be orlarger or smaller than 90, from 45 to and the cyclonic separators can bedistributed symmetrically, in rows, or in some regular pattern, in thegroups. The groups of cyclonic separators can likewise be symmetricallyor otherwise arranged, and their geometric axis may also beperpendicular to the geometric axis of the groups.

The conical shells 114, 14 can also be placed with their apices at theshell 6=end, and the shells 43, 44 can be placed with their apices atthe shell 4l-end.

The apparatus of the invention is applicable to any type of cyclonicseparator, regardless of size. It is of particular application, however,to smaller cyclonic separators. The preferred cyclonic separators inaccordance with the invention comprise a housing with a separatorchamber therein that is circular in crosssection, has an apex end and abase end, is cone-shaped at least at the apex end, and has a diameter atthe base end of at most 5 mm., and a diameter at the apex end of atleast 0.01 mm.; at least one gas inlet through the housing at the baseend, arranged for tangential flow of gas from outside the housing intothe chamber, to establish a vortical gas flow in the chamber from thebase end toward the apex end, with the gaseous components distributedtowards the periphery of the vortex with increasing molecular or atomicweight, and towards the core of the vortex with decreasing molecular oratomic weight, the vortex core having a lower gas pressure than thevortex periphery; an outlet through the housing in axial alignment tothe chamber at the base end of the chamber; and an outlet through thehousing in axial alignment to the chamber at the apex end of thechamber, the apex end outlet receiving peripheral vortical gas flow fromthe chamber, and the base end outlet receiving core vortical gas flowfrom the chamber, so that lower molecular or atomic weight componentsare concentrated in the flow withdrawn via the base outlet, and highermolecular or atomic weight components are concentrated in the flowwithdrawn via the apex outlet. This cyclonic separator is simple andstraightforward in construction, has no moving parts, and is practicalfor commercial gas separation on a large scale, despite its small size.

Such cyclonic separators as well as the housings and component partsthereof in accordance with the invention can be formed of any suitablematerial that is resistant to attack or corrosion by the gas mixtures tobe separated under the operating conditions. Metals can be used, such asstainless steel and aluminum, and nickel and chromium alloys. However,unless the metal can be cast, it is difficult to shape it in the verysmall sizes required in the invention. Ceramic, glass and plasticmaterials that are strong, resistant to pressure, and capable ofretaining their shape under the gas pressures to be encountered, aretherefore preferred. Such materials can be shaped or molded by injectionor compression molding into the shapes desired, and can be manufacturedin quantity without detriment. Materials such as glass, porcelain,nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyesters, polycarbonates,polyethylene, polypropylene, synthetic rubbers, phenol-formaldehyde,ureaformaldehyde, and melamine-formaldehyde resins are suitable, as wellas polyoxymethylene and chlorotrifluoroethylene polymers.

In the preferred embodiment of cyclonic separator, a tubular baffleextends from the base outlet into the chamber to a point beyond the gasinlet or inlets, to deflect gas flow away from the base outlet, andenhance initiation of a gas vortex at the base end, and thence throughthe chamber towards the apex end. The tangential orientation of the oneor more gas inlets imparts a cyclonic or vortical flow to the gasmixture being introduced. The inlets should be uniformly spaced if thereis more than one, for initiation of a uniform vortical flow. Usually,from two to six gas inlets are sufficient. Then, when the gas isintroduced into the chamber at high velocity, it is constrained by thecurved walls of the separator chamber into a vortex which flowshelically towards the apex end or peripheral portion outlet end of thechamber.

It is important that the vortex defined within the cyclone separatorchamber (and therefore the separation chamber) have a diameter of notover mm., and preferably 2 mm. or less. The lower limit on diameter isimposed only by the practicality of manufacture of small cyclones. Apractical lower limit appears to be 0.1 mm.

The length of the separator chamber is not critical, but it should notbe greater than 200 mm. nor less than 5 mm. in length, and if the shapeis conical, it should be at least 0.1 mm. in diameter at the apex end.

It has been determined in accordance with the invention that it is notpossible to effectively separate gas components according to theirmolecular or atomic weight, if the chamber has a larger diameter than 5mm., and since cyclone chambers heretofore have been considerablylarger, this is probably one of the reasons why vortex separators havenot heretofore been employed for this purpose. If the vortex is largerin diameter than 5 mm., both components move towards the center of thevortex at too great a rate to permit effective separation, and problemsbegin to be encountered. Hence, the small size overcomes thedifficulties that previous workers in the field have encountered withcyclone gas separators.

The cone shape of the separator chamber (and vortex) is quitesignificant in improving separation efficiency. The chamber mustdecrease in diameter towards the apex end, reducing the radius of thevortex and increasing centrifugal force. A cone shape is thereforeessential. The chamber can be in the form of a straightsided right anglecone from base end to apex end. It can also be partly cylindrical, andcone-shaped only at the apex end. The cone shape need not be uniform orstraight sided. Convexly and concavely curved sides can be used, ofuniform or increasing or decreasing curvature. The diameter can decreasecontinuously towards the apex end, or in stages. Thus, a variety of coneshapes are possible, and the shape chosen will depend on the particularconditions of the separation to be carried out, and may be determined bytrial-anderror experimentation.

In the case where the gas mixture is to be subjected to a number ofvortex stages, it is advantageous to employ an array of cyclonicseparators or cyclones, arranged in two series, in cascade. A typicalcascade series which can be used is described by Avery, Physics Bulletin(1970), page l8. The core portion from each cyclone stage is separatedand combined in series with the apex portion from a later cyclone stage,and this repeated at each stage to the end of the series, while in theother series, the apex portions are separated and sent through with thecore portions from a later stage. Any arrangement of the cyclones andthe feedback can be used. In this way, no part of the material need bewasted, and eventually all of the components separated can be recovered,if desired.

A cascade series can be arranged within the apparatus of the inventionsimply by interconnecting the vortex separators of adjacent groups in amanner such that the core portions from each group are separated andcombined in series with the apex portions from a later group, and thisis repeated with each group to the end of the series, while in the otherseries (which may, if desired, be composed of a group of adjacentseparators within the same housing) the apex portions are separated andsent through with the core portions at a later stage. This is easilydone in the apparatus of FIG. 1, for example, by interconnecting, inseries, chambers 18, and inlets 16 in another series of groups ofseparators, and by compartmenting chamber 33 so that base end outlets ofadjacent groups of separators in adjacent cones 14, 15 are keptseparate, and linked in series with inlets of another series of groupsof separators. The separate and distinct series of separators can bearranged by compartmenting off vertical radial banks of groups ofseparators.

I claim:

1. An apparatus comprising a housing; an array of cyclonic separators inthe housing, in which the separators are arranged in a plurality ofgroups, and oriented about a common first geometric axis in such groups,and the plurality of groups of separators are oriented about a secondand different nonparallel geometric axis; such cyclonic separatorshaving an apex end and a base end, with an inlet intermediate the apexand base ends for fluid to be separated into heavier and lighterfractions, respectively, an outlet at the apex end for the heavierfraction, and an outlet at the base end for the lighter fraction; thehousing having an inlet for fluid to be separated in fluid communicationwith the inlets of the separators; the housing having an outlet for theheavier fraction in fluid communication with the outlets at the apexends of the separators; and the housing having an outlet for lighterfraction in fluid communication with the outlets at the base ends of theseparators; the apparatus thereby providing in a plurality of groups alarge number of separators with a high flow capacity in a limited space.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, in which the second geometric axisis at an angle within the range from about 45 to about to the firstgeometric axis.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, in which the individual separatorsare oriented at substantially the same angle with respect to the firstgeometric axis.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1, in which the groups of separatorsare oriented at substantially the same angle with respect to the secondgeometric axis.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, in which the individual separatorsare oriented at substantially the same angle with respect to the firstgeometric axis, and the groups of separators are orientedat'substantially the same angle with respect to the second geometricaxis.

6. An apparatus comprising a housing; an array of cyclonic separators inthe housing, in which the separators are arranged in groups, andoriented about a common first geometric axis in such groups, and thegroups of separators in turn are oriented about a second and differentgeometric axis; such cyclonic separators having an apex end and a baseend, with an inlet intermediate the apex and base ends for fluid to beseparated into heavier and lighter fractions, respectively, an outlet atthe apex end for the heavier fraction, and an outlet at the base end forthe lighter fraction; the housing having an inlet for fluid to beseparated in fluid communication with the inlets of the separators; thehousing having an outlet for the heavier fraction in fluid communicationwith the outlets at the apex ends of the separators; and the housinghaving an outlet for lighter fraction in fluid communication with theoutlets at the base ends of the separators; the apparatus therebyproviding a large number of separators with a high flow capacity in alimited space, the cyclonic separators in each group being radiallydisposed in rows about the first geometric axis, with the separators ineach row parallel to each other.

7. An apparatus comprising a housing; an array of cyclonic separators inthe housing, in which the separators are arranged in groups, andoriented about a common first geometric axis in such groups, and thegroups of separators in turn are oriented about a second and differentgeometric axis; such cyclonic separators hav ing an apex end and a baseend, with an inlet intermediate the apex and base ends for fluid to beseparated into heavier and lighter fractions, respectively, an outlet atthe apex end for the heavier fraction, and an outlet at the base end forthe lighter fraction; the housing having an inlet for fluid to beseparated in fluid communication with the inlets of the separators; thehousing having an outlet for the heavier fraction in fluid communicationwith the outlets at the apex ends of the separators; and the housinghaving an outlet for lighter frac tion in fluid communication with theoutlets at the base ends of the separators; separating walls at the apexend and at the base end of the separators in each group, defining aninlet chambertherebetween, with access to the inlet of each individualcyclonic separator of the group; beyond the wall at the base end of thecyclonic separators a space serving as a collection and outlet chamberfor the lighter fraction emerging from the base end of the separators;and beyond the wall at the apex end of the separators a space serving asa collection and outlet chamber for the heavier fraction emerging fromthe apex end of the separators, the apparatus thereby providing a largenumber of separators with a high flow capacity in a limited space.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, in cylindrical form, with theseparating walls in the form of concenwalls at the apex and base ends ofeach group of separa tors, and outlet openings giving separate access tothe apex end and base end collection chambers, the outlet collectionchambers and the inlet chambers being completely separate, with nocommunication therebetween.

11. An apparatus according to claim 110, in which the housing comprisesa base portion, the array of cyclonic separators being attached to thebase portion, and side and top portions removably attached to the baseportion, whereby the housing can be removed from the contents, toprovide access to the interior of the housing.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11, in which the removable top andside portion of the housing is provided with a lifting device, whichextends downwardly from the top of the housing, within a central spacethereof to the bottom thereof, to lift said top and side portions of thehousing up and away from the contents, providing access to the array ofcyclonic separators therewithin.

13. An apparatus according to claim 7, in which the cyclonic separatorscomprise a housing with a separator chamber therein that is circular incross-section, has an apex end and a base end, is cone-shaped at leastat the apex end, and has a diameter at the base end of at most 5 mm.,and a diameter at the apex end of at least 0.01 mm.; at least one fluidinlet through the housing at the base end, arranged for tangential flowof fluid from outside the housing into the chamber, to establish avortical fluid flow in the chamber from the base end toward the apexend, with the components distributed towards the periphery of the vortexwith increasing molecular or atomic weight, and towards the core of thevortex with decreasing molecular or atomic weight, the vortex corehaving a lower fluid pressure than the vortex periphery; an outletthrough the housing in axial alignment to the chamber at the base end ofthe chamber; and an outlet through the housing in axial alignment to thechamber at the apex end of the chamber, the apex end outlet receivingperipheral vortical fluid flow from the chamber, and the base end outletreceiving core vortical fluid flow from the chamber, so that lowermolecular or atomic weight components are concentrated in the flowwithdrawn via the base outlet, and higher molecular or atomic weightcomponents are concentrated in the flow withdrawn via the apex outlet.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, in which the cyclonic separatorsare made of a material that is resistant to attack or corrosion'by thegas mixtures to be separated under the operating conditions, selectedfrom stainless steel, nickel and chromium alloys, ceramic, glass, andplastic materials that are strong, resistant to pressure, and capable ofretaining their shape under the gas pressures to be encountered.

15. An apparatus comprising a housing; an array of cyclonic separatorsin the housing, in which the separators are arranged in groups, andoriented about a common first geometric axis in such groups, and thegroups of separators in turn are oriented about a second and differentgeometric axis; such cyclonic separators having an apex endand a baseend, with an inlet intermediate the apex and base ends for fluid to beseparated into heavier and lighter fractions, respectively, an outlet atthe apex-end for the heavier fraction, and an outlet at the base end forthe lighter fraction; the housing having an inlet for fluid to beseparated in fluid communication with the inlets of the separators; thehousing having an outlet for the heavier fraction in fluid communicationwith the outlets at the apex ends of the separators; and the housinghaving an outlet for lighter fraction in fluid communication with theoutlets at the base ends of the separators; the groups of separatorsbeing composed of rows of cyclonic separators arranged conically anddisposed radially about the first geometric axis with the groupsarranged radially about the second geometric axis, the apparatus therebyproviding a large number of separators with a high flow capacity in alimited space.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15, in which the groups of cyclonicseparators are supported between concentric cylindrical shells, and therows of cyclonic separators are supported between concentricfrustoconical shells extending radially between and attached to theconcentric cylindrical shells, with the individual cyclonic separatorsall facing the same way, and mounted between the conical shells in amanner such that the inlets thereof communicate with the space definedbetween the conical shells, the housing inlet being in fluidcommunication with said space, and the shells separating that space fromfluid communication with other spaces in the housing, and the base endand apex end outlets of the separators communicate with separatenonintercommunicating spaces beyond the conical shells, the housingoutlet for the lighter fraction being in fluid communication with thespace beyond the conical shells that is in fluid communication with thebase end outlets of the separators, and the housing outlet for theheavier fraction being in fluid communication with the space beyond theconical shells that is in fluid communication with the apex end outletsof the separators.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, in which the interior space ofthe inner conical shell of each group opens into a first outlet chambercommon to all of the groups, and the space outside the outer conicalshell extends from end to end between the cylindrical shells andconstitutes a second outlet chamber separated from the first by theshells and common to all of the groups.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17, in which the separators arearranged with their apex ends anchored in the inner conical shell andtheir base ends in the outer conical shell, so that the apex ends ofadjacent rows in a group are facing the same way, and the base ends ofthe separators in adjacent groups are facing the same way, with thefacing apex ends of adjacent rows in each groups opening into a commonoutlet chamber within the inner conical shell, and the base ends ofadjacent groups of separate opening into a common outlet chamber outsidethe outer conical shell and between the cylindrical shells.

19. An apparatus according to claim 18, in which the rows of cyclonicseparators are placed at an angle with respect to the first geometricaxis and the groups are placed at an angle with respect to the secondgeometric axis within the range from 45 to and the rows are distributedsymmetrically, with the cyclonic separators parallel to each other.

20. An apparatus according to claim 19, in which the cyclonic separatorsare arranged with their geometric axis perpendicular to the surfaces ofthe conical shells, and in rows at an angle from 45 to 135 to the secondgeometric axis.

1. An apparatus comprising a housing; an array of cyclonic separators inthe housing, in which the separators are arranged in a plurality ofgroups, and oriented about a common first geometric axis in such groups,and the plurality of groups of separators are oriented about a secondand different nonparallel geometric axis; such cyclonic separatorshaving an apex end and a base end, with an inlet intermediate the apexand base ends for fluid to be separated into heavier and lighterfractions, respectively, an outlet at the apex end for the heavierfraction, and an outlet at the base end for the lighter fraction; thehousing having an inlet for fluid to be separated in fluid communicationwith the inlets of the separators; the housing having an outlet for theheavier fraction in fluid communication with the outlets at the apexends of the separators; and the housing having an outlet for lighterfraction in fluid communication with the outlets at the base ends of theseparators; the apparatus thereby providing in a plurality of groups alarge number of separators with a hiGh flow capacity in a limited space.2. An apparatus according to claim 1, in which the second geometric axisis at an angle within the range from about 45* to about 135* to thefirst geometric axis.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 1, in which theindividual separators are oriented at substantially the same angle withrespect to the first geometric axis.
 4. An apparatus according to claim1, in which the groups of separators are oriented at substantially thesame angle with respect to the second geometric axis.
 5. An apparatusaccording to claim 1, in which the individual separators are oriented atsubstantially the same angle with respect to the first geometric axis,and the groups of separators are oriented at substantially the sameangle with respect to the second geometric axis.
 6. An apparatuscomprising a housing; an array of cyclonic separators in the housing, inwhich the separators are arranged in groups, and oriented about a commonfirst geometric axis in such groups, and the groups of separators inturn are oriented about a second and different geometric axis; suchcyclonic separators having an apex end and a base end, with an inletintermediate the apex and base ends for fluid to be separated intoheavier and lighter fractions, respectively, an outlet at the apex endfor the heavier fraction, and an outlet at the base end for the lighterfraction; the housing having an inlet for fluid to be separated in fluidcommunication with the inlets of the separators; the housing having anoutlet for the heavier fraction in fluid communication with the outletsat the apex ends of the separators; and the housing having an outlet forlighter fraction in fluid communication with the outlets at the baseends of the separators; the apparatus thereby providing a large numberof separators with a high flow capacity in a limited space, the cyclonicseparators in each group being radially disposed in rows about the firstgeometric axis, with the separators in each row parallel to each other.7. An apparatus comprising a housing; an array of cyclonic separators inthe housing, in which the separators are arranged in groups, andoriented about a common first geometric axis in such groups, and thegroups of separators in turn are oriented about a second and differentgeometric axis; such cyclonic separators having an apex end and a baseend, with an inlet intermediate the apex and base ends for fluid to beseparated into heavier and lighter fractions, respectively, an outlet atthe apex end for the heavier fraction, and an outlet at the base end forthe lighter fraction; the housing having an inlet for fluid to beseparated in fluid communication with the inlets of the separators; thehousing having an outlet for the heavier fraction in fluid communicationwith the outlets at the apex ends of the separators; and the housinghaving an outlet for lighter fraction in fluid communication with theoutlets at the base ends of the separators; separating walls at the apexend and at the base end of the separators in each group, defining aninlet chamber therebetween, with access to the inlet of each individualcyclonic separator of the group; beyond the wall at the base end of thecyclonic separators a space serving as a collection and outlet chamberfor the lighter fraction emerging from the base end of the separators;and beyond the wall at the apex end of the separators a space serving asa collection and outlet chamber for the heavier fraction emerging fromthe apex end of the separators, the apparatus thereby providing a largenumber of separators with a high flow capacity in a limited space.
 8. Anapparatus according to claim 7, in cylindrical form, with the separatingwalls in the form of concentric frustoconical shells, with the groups ofseparators radially arranged therebetween.
 9. An apparatus according toclaim 7, in which the orientation of the cyclonic separators in eachgroup of cyclonic separators is the same, such that all base ends faCethe same way, and all apex ends face the same way, and open into commonbase end and apex end outlet collection chambers.
 10. An apparatusaccording to claim 7, enclosed within a housing with an inlet from theoutside of the housing to the inlet chamber between the separating wallsat the apex and base ends of each group of separators, and outletopenings giving separate access to the apex end and base end collectionchambers, the outlet collection chambers and the inlet chambers beingcompletely separate, with no communication therebetween.
 11. Anapparatus according to claim 10, in which the housing comprises a baseportion, the array of cyclonic separators being attached to the baseportion, and side and top portions removably attached to the baseportion, whereby the housing can be removed from the contents, toprovide access to the interior of the housing.
 12. An apparatusaccording to claim 11, in which the removable top and side portion ofthe housing is provided with a lifting device, which extends downwardlyfrom the top of the housing, within a central space thereof to thebottom thereof, to lift said top and side portions of the housing up andaway from the contents, providing access to the array of cyclonicseparators therewithin.
 13. An apparatus according to claim 7, in whichthe cyclonic separators comprise a housing with a separator chambertherein that is circular in cross-section, has an apex end and a baseend, is cone-shaped at least at the apex end, and has a diameter at thebase end of at most 5 mm., and a diameter at the apex end of at least0.01 mm.; at least one fluid inlet through the housing at the base end,arranged for tangential flow of fluid from outside the housing into thechamber, to establish a vortical fluid flow in the chamber from the baseend toward the apex end, with the components distributed towards theperiphery of the vortex with increasing molecular or atomic weight, andtowards the core of the vortex with decreasing molecular or atomicweight, the vortex core having a lower fluid pressure than the vortexperiphery; an outlet through the housing in axial alignment to thechamber at the base end of the chamber; and an outlet through thehousing in axial alignment to the chamber at the apex end of thechamber, the apex end outlet receiving peripheral vortical fluid flowfrom the chamber, and the base end outlet receiving core vortical fluidflow from the chamber, so that lower molecular or atomic weightcomponents are concentrated in the flow withdrawn via the base outlet,and higher molecular or atomic weight components are concentrated in theflow withdrawn via the apex outlet.
 14. An apparatus according to claim13, in which the cyclonic separators are made of a material that isresistant to attack or corrosion by the gas mixtures to be separatedunder the operating conditions, selected from stainless steel, nickeland chromium alloys, ceramic, glass, and plastic materials that arestrong, resistant to pressure, and capable of retaining their shapeunder the gas pressures to be encountered.
 15. An apparatus comprising ahousing; an array of cyclonic separators in the housing, in which theseparators are arranged in groups, and oriented about a common firstgeometric axis in such groups, and the groups of separators in turn areoriented about a second and different geometric axis; such cyclonicseparators having an apex end and a base end, with an inlet intermediatethe apex and base ends for fluid to be separated into heavier andlighter fractions, respectively, an outlet at the apex end for theheavier fraction, and an outlet at the base end for the lighterfraction; the housing having an inlet for fluid to be separated in fluidcommunication with the inlets of the separators; the housing having anoutlet for the heavier fraction in fluid communication with the outletsat the apex ends of the separators; and the housing having an outlet forlighter fraction in fluid communication with the outlets at the baseends of the separators; the groups of separators being composed of rowsof cyclonic separators arranged conically and disposed radially aboutthe first geometric axis with the groups arranged radially about thesecond geometric axis, the apparatus thereby providing a large number ofseparators with a high flow capacity in a limited space.
 16. Anapparatus according to claim 15, in which the groups of cyclonicseparators are supported between concentric cylindrical shells, and therows of cyclonic separators are supported between concentricfrustoconical shells extending radially between and attached to theconcentric cylindrical shells, with the individual cyclonic separatorsall facing the same way, and mounted between the conical shells in amanner such that the inlets thereof communicate with the space definedbetween the conical shells, the housing inlet being in fluidcommunication with said space, and the shells separating that space fromfluid communication with other spaces in the housing, and the base endand apex end outlets of the separators communicate with separatenonintercommunicating spaces beyond the conical shells, the housingoutlet for the lighter fraction being in fluid communication with thespace beyond the conical shells that is in fluid communication with thebase end outlets of the separators, and the housing outlet for theheavier fraction being in fluid communication with the space beyond theconical shells that is in fluid communication with the apex end outletsof the separators.
 17. An apparatus according to claim 16, in which theinterior space of the inner conical shell of each group opens into afirst outlet chamber common to all of the groups, and the space outsidethe outer conical shell extends from end to end between the cylindricalshells and constitutes a second outlet chamber separated from the firstby the shells and common to all of the groups.
 18. An apparatusaccording to claim 17, in which the separators are arranged with theirapex ends anchored in the inner conical shell and their base ends in theouter conical shell, so that the apex ends of adjacent rows in a groupare facing the same way, and the base ends of the separators in adjacentgroups are facing the same way, with the facing apex ends of adjacentrows in each groups opening into a common outlet chamber within theinner conical shell, and the base ends of adjacent groups of separateopening into a common outlet chamber outside the outer conical shell andbetween the cylindrical shells.
 19. An apparatus according to claim 18,in which the rows of cyclonic separators are placed at an angle withrespect to the first geometric axis and the groups are placed at anangle with respect to the second geometric axis within the range from45* to 135*, and the rows are distributed symmetrically, with thecyclonic separators parallel to each other.
 20. An apparatus accordingto claim 19, in which the cyclonic separators are arranged with theirgeometric axis perpendicular to the surfaces of the conical shells, andin rows at an angle from 45* to 135* to the second geometric axis.